Question:
Has anyone had any malabsorption issues after gall bladder removal?

I had a very non eventful post op after my RNY. I did very well. I went from 322 lbs, to about 185. Which was good enough for me. I then about 5 yrs post op, started losing weight, having alot of stinky gas, and having a very swollen belly which was firm. The doctors just thought it was what I was eating, or otherwise not sure what was the problem, until finally they tracked it to my gall bladder.I had an open cholecystectomy in oct, 08, and I had a gall bladder full of stones (of which I had none Pre-op), I had a very dilated common bile duct which was blocked with stones and sludge. I was a little more active and not eating quite as much, so I thought thats why I began losing weight. When I had the gall bladder removed though, thats when I really started getting sick. I am now down to 137 lbs, and stay very weak, fatigued, my teeth are discolored, my gums are red, tender and my tongue too. I have thyroid nodules, and an enlarged ovary, they think it is benign. I am scared. I look awful and sickly now. My hair is getting very thin, I have acne and other things.I take a monthly B12 injection, I take a multivitamin, Vitamin c, Vitamin e, and sublingual B 12 daily. Ya'll I'm scared. Does anyone have any ideas? I don't know where to turn. I'll be looking forward to seeing your replys, hopefully someone will help me figure this out.    — 8balllvr (posted on April 9, 2009)

April 10, 2009
Hon you need to have a fullwork up and don't let anyone just push this off as nothing. Something is going on. I had a weird thing happen because my Adrenal gland stopped producing Steroids so I had all kinds of weird symptoms that seemed crazy but once I got a good diagnosis and a blood test to confirm it then I started on the right medication to fix the issue I'm 100% better. Get a Dr who is willing to look at your sysmptoms and diagnosis whats going on. It sometimes takes multiple Dr's so don't stop until you start to get answers your comfortable with. Sit down and discuss the issues with them and make them respond to you. I'd get with an Endocronologist if possible you may have endocrine issues but that kind of Dr can also tell if you simply have vitamin deficincies. Good Luck let us know how things go.
   — fishingcat

April 11, 2009
I had gastric bypass surgery in February 2008. I had my gallbladder removed May 1990. I was 237 pounds. Got down to 132 pounds. The first few months I was doing well then November 2008 I became sick. I can eat the same foods everyday. One day i am fine the next day I have blood sugar issues and have to run to the bathroom. I have had several tests done. Seen different doctors. Not happy with being sick. Went to the gastro doctor. He seems to think I might have a fat malasorbation problem. Then my thyroid specialist knows I am hyperglcemic. So after figuring out the gastro issue i will try some other medications. After 4 years after my surgery I feel very bloated and don't like the fact I can sick almost every day.
   — davisonmama